19th-century industrialization introduced the concept of task separation with the creation of large amounts of a single component under one roof. Under such manufacturers as Ford, companies introduced the assembly line. In turn, this resulted in the rise of the modern concept of mass production. In this depiction, manufacturing companies were faceless entities producing and reproducing identical items in the same manner without individuality. However, recently, mass production is facing the rise of its antithesis – custom design manufacturing.
Mass vs. Custom Design Production
Mass production is the stereotype of industrial production. It is one long assembly lie after another. Workers keep performing the same tasks in the same order. Identical products, all standardized, emerge at the end where inspection and packaging also follow the same faceless and orderly route.
Challenging this norm is customization. Custom design manufacturing, while it is intent on producing numerous items, does not conform to the concept of standardization. The emphasis is on customization. In other words, user-end companies look to a custom manufacturing company that utilizes a more individualistic approach. This method finds expression from the very beginning – the design.
A chief difference between custom design and mass manufacturing is an emphasis on uniqueness. Customization requires this to separate its product from the stress on homogenous items. To achieve this goal requires thinking beyond traditional. It requires a new design concept. It entails working hand-in-hand with a custom design manufacturer to arrive at a prototype reflecting the design criteria that make the image concrete, functional and viable. Such customization and individualization of products allow the creation of unique products for niche and specialty markets. It also finds solutions for problems not solvable through standard means.
Custom Design Manufacturing
Mass production has been the traditional method for over a century. Today, custom design manufacturing is challenging this approach. In everything from valves to medical supplies, custom design manufacturing companies are providing a viable option to successful productivity.
